A Nouwen Network is a ‘grassroots’ nonprofit outreach and receives no financial support from any organization. All activities are entirely voluntary.

The material presented is assembled in good faith. Links to other websites are inserted for convenience

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Let us pray to the Father of Mercies: Father, we pray for the unity and mission of the holy Church of God; that it may welcome and serve those who live with a mental illness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide us, the citizens and leaders of this land, this state and this city … that we may unite to provide for and protect the poor, the homeless and those who suffer in mind, body and spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive us when we knowingly or unknowingly ridicule, look in disgust, neglect or discriminate against those who are mentally ill.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Comfort and relieve those who are troubled in mind and spirit. Bring them hope, peace and the consolation of a loving community.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant patience and courage to the families and friends of those who are ill. Increase their perseverance as they face challenges to recovery for their loved one.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Protect and defend those living with mental illness from exploitation, addictions and abuse.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Walk with the homeless and missing persons, those who are destitute and have no one to care. Forgive us for our indifference.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We commend to your mercy and defence all who are contemplating suicide today, right now. Bring someone or something to intervene.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the families who have lost a loved one to mental illness, bring them comfort in trusting that your grace accepts their ill loved one, despite the final desperate act that brought them into your loving arms.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Empower us to speak up for those who do not have a voice; save us from making peace with the injustices in the social systems that have failed them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide those who do research for the prevention and treatment of mental illnesses; uphold them with your compassion and diligence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those who are in recovery and for treatments that enable them to return to full and rewarding lives, we give you thanks.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, Giver of life and health, we trust that in your time and way, you will dispel all darkness with your light, all confusion with your order, all fear with your peace. Through Jesus Christ, who intercedes for us and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Adapted from and patterned after Prayers of the People from the Book of Common Prayer

PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL

Sample petitions to be included in the Prayers of the Faithful or as a Litany:

For persons with a mental illness, and their families that they may find effective treatment for their disease and understanding and acceptance in society, we pray to the Lord.

For our elected officials to come to an understanding of the need for increased funding for mental health care, we pray to the Lord.

For people who live on the streets without homes or hope, we pray to the Lord.

For families who strive to understand and help their loved ones with mental illness, we pray to the Lord.

For people with mental illness who are confined in jails and prisons, we pray to the Lord.

That the darkness of stigma, labels, exclusion and marginalization might be dispelled by the light of greater understanding, acceptance and respect for the dignity of every person, we pray to the Lord.

In thanksgiving for the compassion and dedication of mental health professionals and those who provide care, and for new discoveries in brain research, we pray to the Lord.

For each of us to reach out with support as we form a caring community, we pray to the Lord.